Main data collection techniques

Question 1

Five principal data collection techniques

Answer 1

1. Observation - observe/record
2. Interviews - ask questions/record
3. Questionnaires - preformulated filled in in interview/alone
4. Documentary analysis - examine documents, films etc
5. Participatory analysis - research subjects are involved in data collection

Question 2

Primary and secondary data

Answer 2

Primary data collected in the field 1 and 2 above (by ourselves)
Secondary data collected away from field 3,4,5 above (previously collected perhaps for another purpose)

Question 3

Advantages of primary data

Answer 3

1. Major advantage is you specify the data you want
2. This enables you to choose the most
   appropriate variables and sampling methods to answer the research questions
   choose the most appropriate measures of those variables
   put in place good data collection methods
   check data for accuracy
   choose appropriate storage
   manage the data
   commission 3rd party to collect the data for you

Question 4

Limitations of primary data

Answer 4

1. Time consuming to collect
2. Time constraints might limit what you can collect compared to secondary data
3. Data collection costs can be high
4. Some e.g. historical topics cannot be collected as primary data